Molecular and morphological approaches redefine the limits among polymorphic species in the Neotropical longhorn beetle genus, Myzomorphus Sallé (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Prioninae).

Myzomorphus Sallé is a charismatic genus of prionine longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) composed of nine species. Myzomorphus species are found from Costa Rica to southern Brazil, but only two species have wide distributions across this range: M. scutellatus Sallé from Costa Rica to northern Brazil, and M. quadripunctatus (Gray) from Colombia to southern Brazil. These species are highly polymorphic and their limits are difficult to determine due to their strong morphological similarities--males are only distinguishable by subtle size variations and females by color patterns. Here, we used mitochondrial DNA (cox1 and 12S) to reconstruct the first phylogeny of Myzomorphus and, in combination with morphological data, assess the taxonomic limits between M. scutellatus and M. quadripunctatus. Our phylogenetic results confirm the monophyly of Myzomorphus and reveal a close relationship among M. birai, M. quadripunctatus and M. scutellatus. Using pairwise distance estimations, we found that the intraspecific variation of M. quadripunctatus is remarkably high (K2P: 0-11.7%; p-distances: 0-9.7%) and the interspecific distances of M. quadripunctatus in relation to M. birai and M. scutellatus (K2P: 14.8-20.1%; p-distances: 12-15%) are close to the intraspecific distances of M. quadripunctatus. We further analyzed the diagnostic characters of these species and found that their morphological intraspecific variations largely overlap. Altogether, our results demonstrate that the variability of M. birai, M. scutellatus and M. quadripunctatus represent polymorphisms of a single species. We thus argue for the synonymy of M. birai and M. scutellatus under M. quadripunctatus (syn. nov.) and highlight the need for multiple lines of evidence to solve the taxonomic problems in polymorphic species of Cerambycidae.

Neriidae (Diptera: Schizophora) from Mexico: new species, new records and an identification key.

We conducted a study of material from the Colección de Artrópodos de Referencia Forense, UNAM (CARF), Colección Nacional de Insectos, UNAM (CNIN) and Colección de Insectos del Bosque Seco, Estación de Biología Chamela, UNAM (EBCH), which revealed three new distributional records of cactus flies species in Mexico as follows: Cerantichir enderleini (Hennig, 1937), Eoneria blanchardi Aczél, 1951, and Glyphidops durus (Cresson, 1926). This study also described two new species: Cerantichir mexicana Gomes & Sepúlveda and Eoneria ramirezi Gomes & Sepúlveda. We update the distribution records of the cactus flies (Neriidae) distributed in Mexico. The list of species includes: Glyphidops filosus (Fabricius, 1805), Glyphidops flavifrons (Bigot, 1886), Glyphidops filosus (Fabricius, 1805), Glyphidops xanthopus (Schiner, 1868), Nerius pilifer Fabricius, 1805, Nerius plurivittatus Bigot, 1886, Nerius purpusianus Enderlein, 1922, Odontoloxozus longicornis (Coquillett, 1904), and Odontoloxozus pachycericola Mangan & Baldwin, 1986. This study increases the number of species known to occur in Mexico from eight to 13.

Psyllotoxus griseocinctus Thomson, 1868 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae): a potential pest of roses in Brazil revealed by its lifecycle and niche modeling.

We present the first formal record of the twig-girdler Psyllotoxus griseocinctus Thomson, 1868 (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae: Onciderini) attacking the rose, Rosa sp. (Rosaceae) in Southern Brazil. We provide photographs of the damage P. griseocinctus causes to the plant, as well as morphological descriptions of the immature stages and molecular diagnostic tools to identify this species. Additionally, we provide a modelled map with the known and potential distribution of P. griseocinctus and new host records for three plant species: the common walnut tree, Juglans regia L. (Juglandaceae); the cambucá tree, Plinia edulis (Vell.) Sobral (Myrtaceae); and the cherry tree, Prunus cf. serrulata Lindl. (Rosaceae).

Unveiling the diversity of longhorn beetles (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) in Brazilian western Amazonia: a checklist of the Entomological Collection of the Federal University of Rondônia, Brazil.

An extensive checklist of the Cerambycidae deposited in the Entomological Collection of the Federal University of Rondônia (UNIR) is provided. The checklist includes photographs of 58 new records for the State of Rondônia, four of them representing new records for Brazil: Oncideres wappesi Martins Galileo, 2005, Rhaphiptera boliviana Galileo Martins, 2007, Tulcus liturus (Dillon Dillon, 1945) and Xenofrea zischkai Galileo Martins, 2012.

Performance of Real-Time Semi-Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay for Optimum Diagnosis of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis and Sensitivity to Rifampin in a Tertiary Care Center.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis represents a public health problem, with extrapulmonary disease occurring in 15% of incident cases annually. Early diagnosis is a challenge due to its paucibacillary nature. Recently, a molecular real-time semi-quantitative assay (GeneXpert Ultra) was developed to overcome limitations of the previous assay version (Xpert MTB/RF). OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to assess the usefulness of the novel next-generation GeneXpert assay in extrapulmonary samples from different anatomic sites under routine diagnostic conditions at a university medical center. METHODS: A total of 519 samples from patients with presumptive diagnosis of extrapulmonary TB were subjected to smear microscopy, culture, and molecular assay. Univariate analyses for demographic and microbiological characteristics were performed. The sensitivity, specificity, and Kappa index with a 95% confidence interval were determined. RESULTS: Molecular assay was positive in 53 samples (10.2%), of which 38 (71.6%) belonged to the "low" and "trace" semi-quantitative categories. The overall sensitivity and specificity were 86.4% (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 74.1-98.8) and 95.6% (95% CI: 93.7-97.6), respectively. Phenotypic drug susceptibility testing for rifampin was 100% concordant. CONCLUSIONS: Molecular assay showed significant results when compared to other standard tests, making it a useful tool that could lead in the improvement to a rapid diagnosis of extrapulmonary disease.

New species of Chaetonerius Hendel (Diptera: Neriidae) and key for identification of the Neriidae of Tanzania.

Chaetonerius Hendel is the only native genus of Neriidae from the African continent, with 21 species described. Although widely distributed across the Afrotropical region, the species of Chaetonerius are still poorly known and recent efforts are being devoted to clarify the taxonomy of the family and discover its diversity. Here, we describe a new neriid species from Tanzania, Chaetonerius stichodactylus sp. n. Illustrations of the male holotype, including the external and internal genitalia, are presented and a key for the species of Neriidae of Tanzania is provided.

Chaetonerius Hendel (Neriidae: Diptera) from the East African islands with description of four new species from Madagascar and the Comoros.

Except for the introduced species, Telostylinus lineolatus Wiedemann, all Neriidae occurring in the Ethiopian Region belong to the genus Chaetonerius Hendel and only one species, C. alluaudi (Giglio-Tos), is known from the East African islands, described from Seychelles and also recorded for Madagascar and Mauritius. Herein, we describe four new species of Chaetonerius from the East African islands, including the first species of Neriidae from the Comoros (C. kotrbae sp. n.) and three new species from Madagascar (C. ebejeri sp. n., C. kirkspriggsi sp. n. and C. madagasikara sp. n.). Additionally, a redescription of C. alluaudi (Giglio-Tos) with new record for Réunion and a key for identification of Chaetonerius from the East African islands are provided.

A new species of Chaetonerius Hendel (Diptera: Neriidae) from Northeast Madagascar.

A new species of Ethiopian Neriidae, Chaetonerius serratus sp. n., is described from Madagascar. Differential characters are provided along with photographs and illustrations of the type material, including details of the male genitalia. The key for identification of Chaetonerius Hendel from the East African islands provided by Sepúlveda de Carvalho (2019) is modified to include the new species.

Desempeño de la presepsina como biomarcador temprano de sepsis en un hospital de alta complejidad en Medellín, Colombia / Performance of presepsin as early biomarker of sepsis in a high complexity hospital from Medellin, Colombia

Introducción: la presepsina es el subtipo soluble de la glicoproteína CD14 expresada en la superficie de membrana de los monocitos y los macrófagos; molécula importante en el proceso inflamatorio. Varios estudios sugieren realizar su medición para la identificación temprana de la sepsis. Objetivo: determinar el desempeño diagnóstico y pronóstico de la presepsina en pacientes con sepsis clínica de un hospital de alta complejidad en Medellín, Colombia. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo prospectivo de cohorte única en 60 pacientes con diagnóstico de sepsis clínica durante marzo y diciembre de 2012. La presepsina se midió al momento del diagnóstico, a las 24 y 72 horas; la proteína C reactiva, la procalcitonina y el hemocultivo sólo al momento del diagnóstico. Se utilizaron herramientas de estadística descriptiva para la caracterización de la población y análisis bivariado para la comparación entre medianas. Resultados: El 98,3% de los pacientes tuvieron valores de presepsina sugestivos de sepsis, observándose un valor significativamente más alto en los pacientes sin mejoría (mayor que 700 pg/mL). Se observaron valores de presepsina mayores que 1.000 pg/mL a las 0 y 72 horas del diagnóstico en los pacientes que murieron, pero no se observaron diferencias significativas en comparación con los que no murieron. La proteína C reactiva y la procalcitonina mostraron valores aumentados en la mayoría de los pacientes. Conclusiones: los hallazgos de este estudio se relacionan con lo encontrado en otros estudios donde concluyen que la presepsina es un buen marcador de sepsis, con un importante valor pronóstico y mayor especificidad que otros biomarcadores tradicionales. Palabras clave: sepsis, biomarcadores, diagnóstico, antígenos CD14. (AU)

Introduction: Presepsin is the soluble form of CD14 molecule, a glycoprotein expressed on the membrane surface of monocytes and macrophages and important to inflammatory response. Several studies suggest that presepsin measuring could be used as a good tool to early sepsis diagnosis. Objective: To determine the diagnostic and prognostic performance of presepsin in patients with clinical sepsis at a high complexity hospital from Medellin, Colombia. Materials and methods: A prospective, descriptive cohort study was performed in 60 patients diagnosed with clinical sepsis between March and December of 2012. Presepsin measurement was made at diagnosis time and after 24 and 72 hours. Blood culture, C-reactive protein and procalcitonin were also measured but only at the diagnosis time. Results: 98.3% of patients had presepsin values suggestive of sepsis, with a significantly higher value in patients without clinical improvement (greater than 700 pg/mL). Presepsin values greater than 1,000 pg /mL at 0 and 72 hours of diagnosis was obtained in patients who died, but no significant differences compared to those who did not die were observed. C-reactive protein and procalcitonin showed increased values in most patients. Conclusions: The findings of this study are related to others where it is concluded that presepsin is a good marker of sepsis with an important prognostic value and greater specificity than other traditional biomarkers. (AU)

FAMILY NERIIDAE.

Here we provide a catalog of the Neriidae from Colombia, with all six genera and 17 species in alphabetical order. With each genus we provide references and with each species we include the original name, type-locality, acronym of the institution where the type is deposited and the known geographical distribution. In the case of samples only from Colombia, we provide additional details for locality, relevant synonymy and additional references.

Revision of the New World genus Glyphidops Enderlein (Diptera: Neriidae) .

The genus Glyphidops Enderlein, 1922, the most widespread and speciose of the New World genera of Neriidae (Diptera), is revised herein. Glyphidops (Glyphidops) ruselatus, new species, G. (G.) steyskali, new species and G. (G.) coracinus, new species are described. Of the 16 previously described species, which were last treated by Aczél (1961), the following synonyms are proposed: Chaetomeristes peruanus Enderlein is treated as a junior synonym of G. (G.) bullatus (Enderlein); Nerius dispar Cresson, Oncopsia neutra Hennig and Oncopsia dubia Hennig are treated as junior synonyms of G.(O.) durus (Cresson) and Oncopsia seductrix Hennig, is treated as a junior synonym of G. (O.) flavifrons (Bigot). The species Telostylus vittatus Cresson, is removed from synonymy with G. (G.) filosus (Fabricius) and revalidated as senior synonym of G. ochreus Hennig. A new diagnosis for the genus and all species are provided, as is an identification key to species. New locality records are provided for Costa Rica, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Ecuador and Brazil.

Revision of the Neotropical genus Eoneria Aczél (Diptera: Neriidae) with description of a new species from Colombia.

Here we revise Eoneria Aczdl, 1951, a small genus of flies in the Neriidae, previously known from two species from Argentina. We describe a new species, E. aczeli Sepúlveda & Carvalho from Colombia, provide new records from Brazil, a distribution extension from Argentina and a new genus diagnosis, as well as an identification key based on adult morphology.

Comparación de los métodos de preservación de especímenes Anopheles (Diptera: Culicidae) para la extracción de ADN / Comparison of preservation methods of Anopheles (Diptera: Culicidae) specimens for DNA extraction

Resumen Objetivos: Evaluar diferentes tratamientos de preservación de especímenes Anopheles albimanus para conocer su utilidad para conservar la cantidad y calidad del ADN que permita su análisis en estudios moleculares posteriores. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio comparativo experimental con tres bloques de tratamientos de preservación: sílica gel, etanol y congelación; los dos últimos bloques se dividieron en dos niveles cada uno: etanol absoluto, etanol al 70% y congelación a -20°C, congelación a -80°C respectivamente. El bloque control estuvo conformado por especímenes frescos sin tratamiento de preservación. Se extrajo el ADN de cada espécimen, se cuantificó por espectrofotometría y se amplifico el espaciador interno transcrito 2 (ITS2) mediante PCR. Se realizó un análisis comparativo entre bloques de tratamiento usando la frecuencia de amplificación de ITS2. Resultados: Se obtuvo la amplificación de ITS2 de todos los especímenes sin preservación previa, del 60% de los preservados en sílica gel y del 20% de los preservados en congelación a -80°C y en etanol al 70%. Se halló diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p<0,05) entre las proporciones de amplificación observadas. No se obtuvo amplificación de los especímenes preservados en congelación a -20°C y no se observó una correlación por regresión logística (p>0,05) entre el índice DO260/DO280 y la concentración de ADN de los especímenes que presentaron amplificación de ITS2. Conclusiones: Los datos sugieren que la conservación en sílica gel o la congelación que se vayan a -80°C pueden ser las mejores condiciones para la preservación de especímenes Anopheles a utilizar en estudios moleculares posteriores.

Abstract Introduction: Various methodologies have been reported for long term specimen preservation, which protect the DNA from degradation allowing its posterior analysis in molecular studies. However, the effectiveness of the preservation methods may vary among insect groups; therefore, it is convenient to determine the preservation method to be used with a particular group before performing molecular studies with a large number of specimens. Objetives: An experimental comparative study was conducted to evaluate different preservation treatments for Anopheles albimanus, to know their utility in conserving the quantity and quality of DNA to be used in subsequent molecular studies. Methods: DNA was extracted from each specimen, it was then quantified by spectrophotometer and the Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS2) was amplified by PCR. Results: ITS2 amplification was obtained in all specimens without previous preservation, in 60% of those preserved in sílica gel and in 20% of those preserved at -80°C and in 70% ethanol. A significant difference (p<0.05) was found between amplification proportions. Amplification was not obtained in specimens preserved frozen at -20°C and not correlation by logistic regression was observed between the DO260/DO280 index and DNA concentration of specimens presenting ITS2 amplification. Conclusions: The data suggest that keeping specimens in silica gel or frozen at -80°C may be the best conditions to preserve Anopheles specimens for subsequent molecular studies.